Pangi residents fume as government transfers lone specialist doctor

The residents of Pangi Valley are furious over the recent transfer of the only specialist doctor posted at the Civil Hospital, Killar.

Dr Vishal Sharma, a surgeon and the only specialist doctor serving in Pangi valley, has been given a new posting at Civil Hospital, Bharmour, after completing a six-month training in abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography.

This decision by the state government has triggered widespread resentment among the local populace and civil organisations.

Resenting the move and urging the immediate revocation of the transfer order, multiple organisations, including Block Congress Committee, and individuals have written to the CM. They argue that the valley’s already fragile healthcare system will collapse without specialised services, especially with the winter season approaching. The residents fear that the transfer will exacerbate the health challenges in the tribal region, which is geographically isolated and lacks adequate healthcare facilities.

“The decision of has come as a shocker for us. Once the snow sets in, the valley will be cut off from the rest of the state for over six months. How will we get specialised medical services then?" rued Ajit Rana, a local resident.

Local leaders have warned of a potential stir if the government does not address their concerns promptly. With growing pressure from people and local organisations, all eyes are now on the state government to respond and prevent the situation from escalating further.

The Killar Civil Hospital is the biggest health institution in the tribal and landlocked region, which caters to a population of around 25,000 from 55 villages.

Despite being upgraded to a 50-bed hospital in 2016, its operations are crippled by a lack of staff and machinery. Apart from the specialist surgeon, the hospital has four MBBS doctors. Additionally, the hospital lacks critical support staff such as operation theatre assistants and nurses.

“In critical situations, the surgeon played multiple roles, including that of a gynaecologist, radiologist and anaesthesiologist,” said Rana. He added that doctors’ training would have been beneficial for pregnant women, who otherwise have to travel long distances for ultrasound and specialised care. In winters, it becomes even difficult to move out of the valley or people are forced to travel 700km to reach the district headquarters. However, the government does not seem to be concerned about our plight,” he said.

Satish Sharma, a member of Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC), has written to the CM seeking to revoke the transfer orders.

Surjeet Bharmouri, a member of the Board of Directors of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), said this would be a great injustice to the people of Pangi and he would take up the matter with the CM.

Pangi Block Congress Committee president Subhash Chauhan has also written to the CM stating that people of Pangi were feeling disappointed and ignored due to this action. An association of panchayat pradhans of Pangi valley have also echoed similar sentiments. Pangwal Ekta Manch — led by its president Trilok Thakur — have submitted a memorandum to the chief minister through Pangi Resident Commissioner seeking to cancel the order.

"This is not just a transfer but a blow to the healthcare services we depend on. “We will not hesitate to take to the streets if the government fails to revoke the order," said Thakur.